Undefeated Bernards looks to repeat as champs, extend perfect season in North 1 Group 2 title bout with Newark’s Shabazz

Jon Simoneau has been the head coach of the Bernards High School football program for 17 years, but his finest days may have been the most recent.

In the last two seasons, the Mountaineers have lost one game: a 17-0 defeat at Westwood in the 2023 Group 2 semifinals.

Bernards may have missed its opportunity to avenge that loss, but they’ll have a challenge regardless when Shabazz High School comes to Olcott Field. The Bulldogs upset Westwood 14-6 in last weekend’s semifinal round. The win gave an unexpected boost to Simoneau and the Mountaineers, who said the team had not expected another home game.

Just like last year.

While an 11-0 team may not appear to face too much adversity on its way to a championship appearance, the Mountaineers’ road to this week has been anything but a walk in the park.

Simoneau noted the team lost several seniors, including quarterback Connor Laverty, and lined up its toughest schedule to date.

In Laverty’s place is sophomore Nolan Walsh, who has steadied the position like a true veteran, a trait not too common among underclassmen.

Shabazz will have its own playmakers for Bernards to deal with, however. Chief among them is Stanford commit Omari Gaines, who does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs. A strong rushing attack led by home-run threat running back Jalen Cline – who ripped off a 99-yard touchdown in Shabazz’s quarterfinal victory over Caldwell – means plenty of work for Simoneau’s front seven.

Bernards’ quest for a repeat sectional title has not been the smoothest ride, but all that matters is the finish. The Mountaineers and Bulldogs will do battle at 7pm on Friday with a title on the line.

Click below to hear Bernards head coach Jon Simoneau talk about Friday’s North Jersey 2 Group 3 title game against Shabazz: